Hello forum. Can you advise?
I'm looking to build a 6-part carbonless form, sheet fed variable data, to replace the current practice of impact printing on pin-fed sheets of pre-printed offset press forms. As a government form, there is no option to change the sequencing of colors, or reducing the 6 parts to 5.
Why? The need for change to variable data print is imminent, even if not a perfect solution. Impact printing on a Oki Pacemark or equivalent creates readability problems on the 4th, 5th, and 6th pages due to a combination or poor strike pressure, head wear, etc. Further, print is not aligned on the form properly due to the stacked pages moving around the roller as printed. Consequently, the post office is returning the last page of the form with higher frequency than ever before, and it creates legal nightmares.
Questions:
Thank you all. As you may be able to tell, I'm new to the printing world.
If interested in more details, see below.
Situation:
I've successfully created a 6-part form in a small batch test using stock carbonless paper ~20-21# sheets); Appleton paper. The primary issue is the stock sheet carbonless is too heavy for the government agency stamp to imprint on all six parts. They have a cash register type machine to stamp the existing form (~16# sheets) that has critical information that must be read through all 6 parts. Admittedly, even on their own form, it's hard to read their stamp on part 6. However, part 5 is critical to have good quality readability from their stamp. Assume the strike pressure of their stamp cannot be improved. The secondary issue is pen pressure when writing on the form. They may accept this as a trade-off to improved readability of the data.
The Challenge:
Variable data printing on sheet fed 16# carbonless paper. I'm told some digital printers can successfully run 16#. Though stock purchase of 8.5 x 11 carbonless paper in 16# isn't an option as an approved dry toner digital print application. I've spoken with Appleton, Nekoosa, and Glatfelter. I'm going to be testing some sheeted offset carbonless of 16# CB, 14.6# CFB, and 20# CF from Koehler. Also, 16# CB, 17# CFB, 20# CF sheeted offset press paper from Glatfelter. It appears Nekoosa doesn't offer a lighter weight roll or reel. I've not gone back to Appleton to discuss sheeting their roll paper.
Three of the six parts have fixed printing on the backside, halftoned. We'll either do this in house, or possibly have it pre-printed if having reel paper cut into sheets.
I'm looking to build a 6-part carbonless form, sheet fed variable data, to replace the current practice of impact printing on pin-fed sheets of pre-printed offset press forms. As a government form, there is no option to change the sequencing of colors, or reducing the 6 parts to 5.
Why? The need for change to variable data print is imminent, even if not a perfect solution. Impact printing on a Oki Pacemark or equivalent creates readability problems on the 4th, 5th, and 6th pages due to a combination or poor strike pressure, head wear, etc. Further, print is not aligned on the form properly due to the stacked pages moving around the roller as printed. Consequently, the post office is returning the last page of the form with higher frequency than ever before, and it creates legal nightmares.
Questions:
- With proper settings, heat, speed, etc., is 14.6# or 16# sheet fed carbonless a possible solution in a dry-toner production printer?
- Does the run quality of carbonless between manufacturers vary? (Or is it more machine/setup dependent?)
- Does the chemistry of the carbonless between manufacterers vary, where some leave better images than others with the same strike or pen pressure?
- Any specific print machine recommendations? We're looking to lease/purchase.
- Any paper manufacturers willing/able to develop something specific to this need if demand is great enough? Production may initially begin at 5,000 6-part forms a month, and may grow to 3 or 5 times that within a year. Possible demand is substantially greater.
Thank you all. As you may be able to tell, I'm new to the printing world.
If interested in more details, see below.
Situation:
I've successfully created a 6-part form in a small batch test using stock carbonless paper ~20-21# sheets); Appleton paper. The primary issue is the stock sheet carbonless is too heavy for the government agency stamp to imprint on all six parts. They have a cash register type machine to stamp the existing form (~16# sheets) that has critical information that must be read through all 6 parts. Admittedly, even on their own form, it's hard to read their stamp on part 6. However, part 5 is critical to have good quality readability from their stamp. Assume the strike pressure of their stamp cannot be improved. The secondary issue is pen pressure when writing on the form. They may accept this as a trade-off to improved readability of the data.
The Challenge:
Variable data printing on sheet fed 16# carbonless paper. I'm told some digital printers can successfully run 16#. Though stock purchase of 8.5 x 11 carbonless paper in 16# isn't an option as an approved dry toner digital print application. I've spoken with Appleton, Nekoosa, and Glatfelter. I'm going to be testing some sheeted offset carbonless of 16# CB, 14.6# CFB, and 20# CF from Koehler. Also, 16# CB, 17# CFB, 20# CF sheeted offset press paper from Glatfelter. It appears Nekoosa doesn't offer a lighter weight roll or reel. I've not gone back to Appleton to discuss sheeting their roll paper.
Three of the six parts have fixed printing on the backside, halftoned. We'll either do this in house, or possibly have it pre-printed if having reel paper cut into sheets.
Cheers!
